Full Court Pressure

"When torrential water tosses boulders, it is because of its MOMENTUM;
When the strike of a hawk breaks the body of its prey, it is because of TIMING.
Thus the momentum of one skilled in war is overwhelming when his attack is precisely regulated."
Sun Tzu Wu, 450 BC

Extending the defense can be very potent weapon at times. However, the effectiveness of full court pressure is dependent timing and on the execution of the basic individual defensive fundamentals. When pressing full court, use sideline push in order to minimize the offensive operating area on the court and to establish strong backside support. Aggressive passing lane denials and quick close out rotations along with the basic concepts of trap zones, box pressure, and Helpside "I" are all vital components to successful pressing.

The types of presses deployed will vary according to player personnel, and to the game situation. Depending on the circumstances, various types of presses can be deployed to either increase or decrease game tempo. They may also be deployed as a change of pace or as a surprise tactic. Generally, press an inferior team, a slow team , when behind, or as a change of pace.

SOS Full Court Disruptions

SOS full court pressure scenarios attempt to force the offensive team into reacting to backcourt pressure. Depending on the circumstances, these various SOS presses can be deployed to either increase or decrease game tempo. They may also be deployed as a change of pace or as a surprise tactic. In addition, SOS full court pressure attempts to wear the offensive team down. Player fatigue is the most common cause of ball handling errors and forced shots. These turnovers and bad shots result in more transition opportunities and easy baskets. The purpose of SOS backcourt pressure is five fold:

To create turnovers and rushed shots.

To force the offensive team to advance the ball against pressure all 94 feet of the court.

To increase the distance of the passing lanes.

To disrupt normal offensive movements and tempo.

To remove and keep the ball out of the playmaker's hands.

Note: Any time the shadow player is unable to get into proper position, full court pressure is off and basic half court oriented SOS rules apply. Also, in situations when a deep outlet pass or an outlet pass into the middle is made, full court pressure is off and basic SOS half court defense is in effect.